Travel Guide - Paadal Petra Sthalams in and around Kanchipuram

There are nine significant Shiva temples (Paadal Petra Sthalams) in and around Kanchipuram that are revered in Thevaram. All these temples can be visited in a day, based on my travel experience the optimal sequence (based on distance and temple open timings) of the pilgrimage is suggested below. This sequence is suitable for those travelling from Chennai/Vellore or from any other place approaching Kanchipuram through Chennai Bangalore National Highway. This plan is based on private mode of transportation like car/auto, if using public transportation it may not be possible cover all the locations in a day since the frequency and coverage of public transport is limited. The other option is to use public transport until Kanchipuram bus stand and from there cab or auto can be hired. Kanchipuram is well connected from Chennai and many other cities of Tamil Nadu. Overall distance for the round trip upto Kanchipuram bus stand is approximately 105 kms. Please share to others.

1. Kanchipuram-Kachi Neri Karaikadu – Sathyanatha Swamy Temple

Location/ Directions	Thirukalimedu which is 2 kms from Kanchipuram bus stand
Distance/Time	2 kms, 10 mins travel.
Temple Timings	7 am to 1 pm, 4 pm to 7 pm
Sugg. Visit Time	7 am
Lord Siva	Sathyanatha Swamy, Sathya viradheswarar, Karai Thirunadheswarar
Ambal	Brahmambigai
Sung by	Thirugnanasambandar
Significance Suyambu (self-manifested) lingam with a coarse and slight reddish texture, it is said that the colour of the lingam changes in accordance with the prevailing social conditions. Indra, the lord of the devas worshipped here and created a tank – Indra theetham. This temple is also famous for Budhan (planet mercury), those who have unfavorable position of Budhan in their horoscope can seek the grace of the Lord Shiva by worshipping on Wednesday. Powered by Google Maps

2. Makaral-Thiru Makaraleswarar Temple

Location/ Directions	This temple is located on the Kanchipuram--Uthiramerur route at a place called Makaral.  From Thirukalimedu, Uthiramerur road can be reached via Amudhapadi back street. Keep contuining crossing Orikkai and Kuruvimalai.After crossing Melperamanallur bus stop, Uthiramerur road turns sharp right. At this junction,  take left to reach the temple
Distance/Time	15 kms from previous point, 30 mins drive
Temple Timings	7:30 am to 12 pm, 5 pm to 8 pm
Sugg.Visit Time	8 am
Lord Siva	Makaraleswarar, Adaikalamkatha nathar,Udumbeesar
Ambal	Thiribhuvana nayaki
Sung by	Thirugnanasambandar – 1
Significance Unique Siva lingam in the form of tail of a monitor lizard (Udumbu in Tamil, hence one of the name is Udumbeesar). Offering prayers is said to alleviate the fear of death; childless couple are graced with a child. As per the legend, Brahma created a lingam here and worshipped the lord for the redemption of His curse.  While returning back to Brahmaloka, Brahma created a Jack fruit tree that would produce delicious jack fruit every day. Rajendra Chola, son of Raja raja Chola made an arrangement in such a way that these fruits will be offered to Lord Nataraja in Chidambaram everyday and later delivered to the King’s palace as the prasadham. This continued for a few period of time. One of the workmen associated with this task of transporting jack fruits found it hard to repeat every day and he felled the jack fruit tree and fled away fearing the wrath of the king. Rajendra chola was extremely disappointed and he himself set forth in search of the missing person along with some of his guards. While the search was going on, the King spotted a monitor lizard with a golden hue running towards a bush. He sent his guards to hunt the monitor lizard and blood started gushing from its tail due to the attack. At this point, the King fainted and soon after his recovery, he was made to realize by a cosmic voice that the monitor Lizard is none other than the Lord himself and expanded this temple construction as per the divine impulse. If this temple is visited during Abhishekham time, we can see the complete tail form of the Lingam. Powered by Google Maps

3. Kanchipuram-Kuranganilmuttam - Thiru Valeeswarar Temple

Location/ Directions	From Makaral, retrace the route back on Uthiramerur road towards Kuruvimalai. At kuruvimalai, there will be a bridge and just before the brdige, there will be a small road on the left side which needs to be taken. From this point, the road will be narrow and winding upto the destination. Keep contuining until you reach the Pallava caves (one of the ASI monument), from this point the temple is within 200 metres.
Distance/Time	15 kms from previous point, 30 min drive
Temple Timings	7 am to 10 am, 4 pm to 7 pm. Avoid travelling after sunset since the roads are narrow and poorly lit making navigation difficult.
Sugg. Visit Time	9 am
Lord Siva	Valeeswarar, Koyyamalai nathar
Ambal	Irayar Valaiammai
Sung by	Thirugnanasambandar – 1
Significance Vali (brother of Sughriva), Indra and Yama worshipped Lord Siva in this temple in the form of Monkey, Squirrel and Crow respectively. Hence the name Kuranganilmuttam – Kurangu (Monkey form – Vali) + Anil (Squirrel form – Indra)+ Muttam (Crow form – Yama). The temple tank – Kakkai theertham is said to be created by Yama himself when he had assumed the crow form. Powered by Google Maps

4. Cheyyar -Vedapureeswarar Temple

Location/ Directions	From Kuranganilmuttam, travel to Dusi village which is about 1.5 kms in the west. Turn left onto Kanchipuram - Tiruvannamali road, after travelling 5.5 kms you will reach Indian Bank Mangal cross road, take right turn towards Cheyyar - Kanchipuram road. At the end of this road, take left turn on Cheyyar road to reach the temple via Gandhi road.
Distance/Time	27 kms from previous point, 45 mins drive.
Temple Timings	6 am to 12 pm, 4 pm to 8:30 pm
Sugg.Visit Time	10:15 am
Lord Siva	Vedhapureeswarar, Vedhanathar
Ambal	Balakusambigai, Ilamulainayagi
Sung by	Thirugnanasambandar - 1
Significance Lord Siva bestowed the vedic knowledge to Devas and Sages, hence He is known as Vedhapureeswar. Nandi in this temple does not face the lord, instead facing towards the entrance of the temple.  Lord Muruga worshipped His father in this shrine. Thirugnanasambandar while visiting this temple did a miracle of converting male Palmyra tree (Panai Tree in tamil) into female tree on the request of a staunch devotee who lived here. Powered by Google Maps

5. Thiruppanangadu Thalapureeswarar Temple

Location/ Directions	From Gandhi road, drive towards Cheyyar road (right turn at toll gate bus stop). Pass by devi theatre and turn left towards SH5. After about 7 km take right turn and keep continuing till Arcot-Kanchipuram road.After 6 kms turn left and keep continuing till we reach Thiruppanangadu, from there take a right turn to reach the temple at 2 kms
Distance/Time	24 kms from previous point, 45 mins drive
Temple Timings	7 am to 12 pm, 5 pm to 8 pm
Sugg. Visit Time	11:30 am
Lord Siva	Panankattu eswarar, Thalapureeswarar,Krubanadheswarar
Ambal	Amirtavalli, Krubanayagi
Sung by	Sundarar - 1
Significance On entering the temple, you can see two temples each with its own set of Nandi, Altar and Sanctum. On the right side is Krubanadheswarar, and on the left is Thalapureeswarar. Similarly there are two Ambal shrines. Thalapureeswarar lingam was founded by Sage Agastya while he was alone in the southern part of the world when all others were in the northern part during the Lord Siva’s marriage. Krubhanadheswarar lingam was founded by sage Pulastya, the disciple of Agastya. Hence it is a custom to first worship Thalapuleeswarar and then Krubhanadheswarar. Powered by Google Maps

After you finish dharshan in this temple, it will be almost 12:30 PM and the temples would be closed .till at least 4 pm. Hence lunch break and rest can be taken during this time slot There are no hotels available in Thirupanangadu, hence you can proceed directly to Ekambareswarar temple where good hotels are available in the nearby vicinity.

6. Kanchipuram - Ekambareswarar Temple

Location/ Directions	From Thirupanangadu village, take the Arcot-Kanchipuram and after about 7 kms take the left into Arcot-kanchipuram after passing TMPPL. Keep contuining until thayarkulam st and take right and again left unto Pachaiyappan street. Keep contuining to reach the temple.
Distance/Time	18 kms from the previous point, 40 mins drive
Temple Timings	6 am to 12:30 pm, 4 pm to 8:30 pm
Sugg. Visit Time	4 pm
Lord Siva	Ekambareswarar
Ambal	Kamatchi Amman
Sung by	Appar – 7, Thirugnanasambandar – 4, Sundarar - 1
Significance This magnificent temple is crown among all the Siva temples in Kanchipuram. One among the pancha bootha sthalams (5 temples dedicated to elements) representing the earth. Lingam in the main sanctum is made of sand. As per the legend, Parvati once closed the eyes of Lord Siva playfully because of which the entire universe went in dark. However, He restored the light by opening the third eye. He instructed Parvati Devi to go to earth and do a penance on Him to absolve Herself from the sin resulting due to hardship caused to the lives existing in the universe. Paying respect to the Lord’s command, She came to Kanchipuram, created a Siva lingam out of sand from Kamba river bank and started severe penance. After some point in time, there was a heavy flood in the river and water level rapidly rose. Parvati completely embraced the Lingam and protected from being washed away by the flood. This flood was caused by Lord Himself to show the world the greatness of Parvati’s penance. Lord appeared and married Her, the divine mother started gracing as Kamatchi Amman in Kanchipuram. It is said that the Siva lingam still bears the impressions created by Her while embracing. Powered by Google Maps

7. Kanchipuram-Onakkandhan Thali Temple

Location/ Directions	Panjupettai Big Street
Distance/Time	1.4 kms from Ekambareswarar temple on the back side. 5 mins drive.
Temple Timings	7 am to 9 am, 5 pm to 7 pm
Sugg. Visit Time	5:15 pm
Lord Siva	Oneswarar,Kandheswarar,Salandheswarar
Ambal	Kamatchi Amman
Sung by	Sundarar - 1
Significance Asuras – Onan and Kandhan worshipped the lord here for their redemption, hence the name Onakkandhanthali. There are three sanctums and three lingams, the first one located directly in line with the entrance is a great sight to behold. Lingam is quite big with thick bands of Vibhudi adorning. Sundarar prayed to this Lord for bestowing wealth on him, his pathigam on this temple is set in a humorous tone mildly criticizing the Lord for not giving him wealth. Powered by Google Map

8. Kanchipuram-Kachi Anegathangapadheswarar Temple

Location/ Directions	From Onakandhanthali temple, left turn into Panjupettai st and after reaching the main road turn left into Kanchipuram-Tirupati highway. Turn left at Oli Muhammed Pettai Jumma masjid and keep continuing till you turn right at Sathankuttai street.Keep going until you turn right at Kailasanathar temple to reach the temple.
Distance/Time	2.2 kms from the previous point, 15 mins drive
Temple Timings	7 am to 10 am, 5 pm to 7 pm
Sugg. Visit Time	6 pm
Lord Siva	Anegathangapadheswarar
Ambal	Kamatchi Amman
Sung by	Sundarar - 1
Significance Lord Ganesha created the Shiva lingam and worshipped. It is said that Kubera also have worshipped here. This temple has been mentioned in Kanchipuranam.

Note: - Kailasanathar temple is about 100 metres away from the temple, yet another great temple and a must visit. This temple is about 100 years and was build by Narasimha pallava ,has a huge Siva lingam almost in the size of Thanjavur Brahadeeswarar temple. Also inside the main sanctum there is a narrow passage circumambulating the Lord, the entry point on the left represents the death and exit point on the right represents the birth.

9. Kanchipuram-Thiru Metrali Nathar temple

Location/ Direction	Proceed east on Kailasanathar road and turn right at raja cafe into Krishnan street. Keep continuing and turn right at Thirugnanasambandar temple into Metrali street to reach the temple.
Distance/Time	1.5 km from the previous point, 10 mins drive
Temple Timings	7 am to 12 pm, 5 pm to 9 pm
Sugg. Visit Time	7:30 pm
Lord Siva	Thirumetralinathar
Ambal	Kamatchi Amman
Sung by	Appar – 1, Sundarar - 1
Significance Lord Vishnu once wanted to attain the Linga form and Lord Siva told that His desire will be fulfilled when Thirugnanasambandar visits this shrine. Subsequently Lord Vishnu was on a long penance praying to the Suyambu lingam here, Thirugnanasambandar during his visit was singing the praise of the Lord. Listening to the soulful rendering of Sambandar, Lord Vishnu slowly transformed himself into the Linga form except His foot. This is the only temple where you can see the Linga form of Vishnu and also His lotus feet in front of the lingam. In front of the temple entrance, on the other end of street is a small temple dedicated to Thirugnanasambandar. Powered by Google Maps

Overall Route Map - approx 105 kms

Map can be downloaded using this link 

Kanchipuram Paadal Petra Sthalam Route Map

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Abirameswarar Shiva Temple – Thiruvamathur (near Villupuram)

This temple signifies Lord Shiva offering protection to Cows as a mother. This paadal petra sthalam has been praised by Thirugnanasambandar, Appar and Sundarar as well. The very existence of cows were in great peril because of the attacks from wild animals, Lord Shiva offered protection to them by providing horns to them. To commemorate this, there is a hoof like mark on the Shiv linga in the main sanctum.

There are two separate temples on either side of the road, one for Shiva and the other one for his consort.  Rama worshipped the Shiva here on his way to Lanka and hence the Lord is called as Abirameswarar. This is also the shrine where sage Bhringi got absolved of his curse. Bhringi used to worship only Lord Shiva and completely ignored Shakti because of which she cursed him to become a Vanni tree.

In the amman temple just opposite to the main temple, there is a circular stone, as per the legend Rama made a pact with king Sugriva in this place before going to Sri Lanka. Hence this stone is referred as stone of oath and it is believed that those who make false statements in the presence of the stone will face bad consequences. Another story which is being told supports this belief – once there were two brothers in a nearby village and the elder one due to his greediness, retained their ancestral property completely for himself without giving anything for his younger brother. Aggrieved by this injustice, the younger brother made a complaint to the village elders and they asked the elder brother to come and make a promise before the circular stone. Aware that this oath taking will be compelled on him, prior to making the promise, the elder brother transformed the plundered wealth into gold and hid them in a walking stick kind of arrangement. Just before making the promise, he momentarily transferred his walking stick to his younger brother, made the promise that he does not have the wealth with him right now and immediately got the stick from his younger brother.  Villagers did not have an option other than accepting the promise and let him go. The elder brother was feeling happy that he had smartly deceived everybody including the Lord. But his happiness was short lived, he was bitten by a highly venomous snake and killed at about 10 kms from this temple. Integrity is always the best policy, promptly reinforced by Devi Herself.

Lord Siva: Abirameswarar , Azhagiya nathar

Ambal (Goddess): Muthambigai, Azhagiya nayagi

Meenakshi Sundareswarar Shiva Temple – Ammankurichy

This beautiful Shiva temple is located in Ammankurichy, a small and serene hamlet near Pudukottai. This is one among the proud monuments of India belonging to Madurai Nayak Dynasty period (1529 to 1736 AD) and has been enlisted under protected monuments of Archeological Survey of India.

There are two separate shrines for Chokkanathar, the presiding deity and for Meenakshi, His consort. Both these deities resemble the Madurai Chokkanathar and Meenakshi, hence a devotional feel of having Darshan at Madurai could be felt.  On the intersection of these shrines, beautifully carved stone statues of Nayak kings and their queens worshipping the Lord could be seen. The king responsible for construction of this temple is Poochi Nayakar. On each pillar of the temple we could see the lifelike sculptures of Ganesha, Shiva in dancing pose, Kali and other deities. On the back side of the temple premise (inner praharam), there is a small shrine for Lord Subramanya. On the left side of the entrance to the temple, there is a stone slab containing inscriptions that talks about Poochi Nayakar king and the endowments he offered to the temple. The outer praharam of the temple is styled in the pattern of Thanjavur temple, a big banyan tree at the main entrance to the temple adds to the elegance of the temple.

Either Tiruchirapalli or Pudukottai can be the base for visiting this temple. From Tircuhirapalli, buses plying to Ponnamaravathi can be boarded to reach Ammankurichy. Pudukottai district in total contains 58 monuments enlisted in ASI (http://www.asichennai.gov.in/trichy_sub_circle.html) and is a great haven for anyone interested in Archeology and historical studies. This list contains an interesting mix of Siva, Vishnu and Jain temples.

Sivaloka Thiagesar Shiva Temple – Thirunallur Perumanam (Achalpuram)

This temple is located at Achalpuram (15 kms from Chidambaram) and has very special events associated with it – one is Thirugnanasambandar got married as per the wishes of his parents in this temple and the other is he attained mukthi along with his parents and relatives. During Sambandar’s marriage, divine mother Parvati herself took the role of inviting people who flocked the temple and distributed Vibhuti (sacred ash) to them. To commemorate this, even now in the Ambal temple inside the premises, Vibhuti is offered to devotees as against the norm of offering Kumkum. After the marriage, it is said that Siva Jyothi appeared in the temple and Sambandar along with his relatives and four more nayanmars entered the Jyothi to remain in eternal bliss with Lord Siva. This Paadal Petra Sthalam has been sung by Sambandar (2 pathigams).

Close to Achalpuram, there is a village called Nallur and it is said that the marriage procession of Sambandar started from this place. There is a temple dedicated to Lord Rama – Sundara Kothandaramar temple, worshipping in this temple is believed to remove the obstacles in marriage. This temple is also worth visiting but unfortunately it’s in a dilapidated condition.

On the Chidambaram-Sirkazhi road, immediately after crossing the kollidam bridge, there will be a road branching to the left. The temple is about 5 kms on this road. There is another paadal petra sthalam- Mahendrapalli at about 6 kms from this temple. Both the temples can be covered in the same visit. Bus bound for Mahendrapalli from Sirkazhi or Chidambaram can be taken but the frequency is very limited. It will be better to have a private transport arranged from Chidambaram.

Open from 6 am to 12 pm and from 4:30 pm to 8 pm every day.

Lord Siva: Sivaloka Thiagesar, Perumanamudaya Mahadevar.

Ambal (Goddess): Thiruvenneetru Umaiammai, Swetha Vibhuthi Nayagi.

Sthala Vriksham : Maa (Mango tree)

Theertham : 11 theerthams

Thirumeni Azhagar Shiva Temple – Mahendrapalli

This Paadal Petra Sthalam praised by Thirugnanasambandar is located at Mahendrapalli about 25 kms from Chidambaram.

As per the legend, Indra the Lord of devas has worshipped here. Indra is also known as Mahendra, hence the place got the name Mahendrapalli. Lord Brahma, Sun and Moon have also worshipped here. In the month of March, sunlight directly on the Shiva linga daily (lasts for a week).

The temple tank just in front of the temple is very special. As per the legend, Lord Krishna offered ritual prayers for His ancestors and because of this, Sun and Moon also came and worshipped. It is believed that worshipping in this temple is said to alleviate the Pithru (family ancestors) dosham.

On the Chidambaram-Sirkazhi road, immediately after crossing the kollidam bridge, there will be a road branching to the left. The temple is at about 11 kms on this road. There is another paadal petra sthalam- Achalpuram at about 6 kms from this temple which will first come while travelling in this road. Both the temples can be covered in the same visit. Bus bound for Mahendrapalli from Sirkazhi or Chidambaram can be taken but the frequency is very limited. It will be better to have a private transport arranged from Chidambaram or Sirkazhi.

Open from 9 am to 12 pm and from 6 pm to 7 pm every day. Since the number is visitors is less, this temple is likely to be in a closed condition mostly but the temple priest is living just adjacent to the temple. On request, he will be able to open the temple and offer the Darshan.

Lord Siva: Thirumeni Azhagar, Somasundarar

Ambal (Goddess): Vadivambal, Vadivambigai.

Sthala Vriksham : Thazhai

Theertham : Mahendra Theertham

Panchanatheeswarar Shiva Temple – Vadugur (Thiruvandarkoil)

This temple located in Puducherry is one of the Paadal Petra Sthalams praised by Gnanasambandar. This is beautiful temple under the control of Archeological Survey of India (ASI) and has several inscriptions dating back to the period of Parantaka Chola and other great Chola kings like Rajaraja Chola, Rajendra Chola and Kulothunga Chola.

As per the legend, the demon Mundasuran got a boon from Lord Shiva so that he will be protected from death due to devas and other lords. Because of this boon, the demon started waging wars with devas including Brahma and defeated them. They prayed to Lord Shiva for help and He instructed Vadugabhairava to kill the demon. He slayed the demon and in order to alleviate the sin of killing the demon, Bhairava prayed to Lord in this shrine. The place itself came be to known as Vadugur after the Bhairava’s name but the current name for this place is Thiruvandarkoil.

This temple is located on the Villupuram – Villianur – Puducherry Highway, after crossing the Tamil nadu border within 3 kms in Puducherry the temple can be reached.

Open from 6 am to 10 am and from 5 pm to 8 pm every day.

Lord Siva: Panchanatheeswarar, Vadugeeswarar

Ambal (Goddess): Thirupurasundari, Vaduvagirkanni

Bhakthajaneswarar Shiva Temple - Thirunavalur

Thirunavalur near Villupuram Town, Tamilnadu has the privilege of being the birthplace of Sundarar, one among the four great Saints of Saivism. This place is also called Thirunamanallur.

This Paadal Petra Sthalam has been praised by Sundarar in Thevaram. As per the legend, Lord Vishnu before taking taking the Narasimha Avatar to kill the demon Hiranyan, worshiped Lord Shiva in this temple. There is a separate shrine for Lord Vishnu inside the temple premises.  There is also a shrine for Sundarar and his consorts Paravai and Sangili. Another legend is that Sukran worshiped the Lord here and got his Dosha absolved. Hence it will be beneficial for those who are having Sukra Dosha to have darshan and pray to the Lord Bhakthajaneswara in this temple.

This place is located on the Chennai - Thiruchirapalli Highway. after crossing Villupuram there is a place called Madapattu and Thirunavalur is about 2 kms from this point. Those travelling by bus should board bus from Villpuram and get down at a place called Kedilam. From this place, another bus which is plying on Thirukovilur to Thirunavalur should be boarded to reach the destination.

Lord Siva: Bhakthajaneswarar, Thirunavaleswarar

Ambal (Goddess): Sundarambigai, Manonmani

Sthala Vriksham : Naaval

Theertham :Garuda Theertham

Temple is open from 6 am to 12 noon and from 4:30 pm to 8:30 pm everyday.

Sundarar praises the Lord as follows

The Lord who annihilated the three worlds of demons by a single arrow, one who forcefully dragged me to Thiruvennainallur for my deliverance, one who deserved the service from four faced Brahma, Indra and Vishnu resides in Thirunavalur!